The New Zealand batter Kane Williamson has confirmed that he will not be taking part in the upcoming T20 series against Australia in October. He has made it clear that he will be available for the T20 World Cup 2026, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka.

The Blackcaps are set to host three T20Is during the Australia tour of New Zealand 2025, which is scheduled to take place on October 1, 3, and 4, respectively.

He is one of the five seniors – Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Finn Allen and Tim Seifert who have signed casual contracts with New Zealand Cricket.

They allow players to take part in T20 franchise leagues around the world while still remaining tied to New Zealand’s cricket setup.

Under the arrangement, players will still receive coaching, fitness training and medical support from NZC.

They will also have access to gyms and other facilities while committing to represent the country in certain international series and tournaments, especially marquee events.

NZC Chief Executive Scott Weenink said the casual contracts were designed to kee New Zealand’s best players available for major tournaments while still giving them the flexibility to play overseas.

“With such a pinnacle event on the horizon, we wanted to ensure our best T20 players were ready and available to push for inclusion,” Scott Weenink said.

“The message from the players is that playing for the Black Caps is hugely important to them and I’m pleased we’ve been able to agree terms to have them casually contracted for the coming season,” he added.

Williamson’s decision will make his skip the three-match T20 series against Australia, which begins on October 01 in Mount Maunganui. On the other hand, Finn Allen will also miss the series as he continues to recover from a foot injury.

Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, and Tim Seifert are all set to feature against Australia. After that New Zealand will also host England in another three-match T20 series on October 18 in Christchurch.